Re-hydration is a key priority.

We can never predict the weather, but March is generally a drier month, and hydration and heat management is often key to success in the BUTM. We consider that by far the greatest risk on the race course is related to heat exhaustion / heat stroke, and it is absolutely vital that you take all the precautions you can to manage this. Remember that prevention is far better than trying to fix the problem when you have already pushed past your body’s limit. For prevention, we recommend:
 
    •    Make sure you are well hydrated at the start of the race – drink plenty in the hours leading up to the race.
    •    Make sure you have the ability to carry sufficient water between stations. The minimum requirement states 1.5 liters, but we strongly recommend a higher capacity up towards 3 liters.
    •    Have your water immediately available (bladder and/or bottles with drinking straws that you can drink from while running/walking)
    •    Fill up water at every aid station and drink plenty and frequently along the course – don’t wait till you feel thirsty, you will already be on the road to dehydration.
    •    Use hydration salt according to the instructions (too much is just as bad as too little)
    •    Wear protective clothing from the sun and sun screen – you may be exposed in the sun for most of the day
    •    There are numerous river/stream crossings along the course. We do NOT recommend to drink from these, but we DO recommend to use them to cool down.
    •    Most of the rivers/streams are crossed on bridges / fords, but there is normally easy access to the water. It only takes seconds or minutes to get to the water to wet your hat or spend a bit of time to cool off. If you overheat, your progress will rapidly slow down and you will take hours longer on the course!
    •    If you are feeling fine, just wetting your hat/cap can help keep you cool. If you are already starting to feel overheated, we strongly recommend spending a bit of time cooling down – even immersing yourself fully in the water if you are feeling hot.
 
Please take the above seriously – we are quite sure that heat exhaustion will be a primary factor for people who do have to pull out of the race. Race SMART and avoid becoming one of the DNF statistics.
 
Please also look out for signs of heat exhaustion from your fellow participants. People who suffer from heat exhaustion can rapidly become delirious and not think clearly. If you see signs, please encourage them to drink plenty and cool off, and if they require assistance, please prioritize this.